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Venice, a beach town set on Florida's southwest coast, less than 20 miles south of Sarasota, features white sandy beaches and an abundance of entertainment and recreation options. The area is known as one of the nation's foremost destinations for discovering shark teeth, a reputation celebrated by the city's annual Shark's Tooth Festival.

Festival Facts

The Shark's Tooth Festival (sharkstoothfest.com), which celebrated its 20th year in 2012, is typically held on a weekend in mid-April at the Venice Airport Festival Grounds, with the backdrop of Caspersen Beach, one of the area's most-noted shark-tooth havens. The three-day event, which draws approximately 25,000 people, features live entertainment, children's activities and food and merchandise booths. Daily tickets are available at a nominal cost, and children 12 and under are free. All festival proceeds go to the Special Olympics of Sarasota County.

The Teeth

Venice is often called the "Shark's Tooth Capital of the World" because of the millions of shark teeth that wash up on its shores, thanks to the city's Gulf of Mexico beaches being unprotected by a barrier island. Each spring, the festival draws more than 100 artists and fossil collectors from throughout the Southeast who display and sell shark teeth and additional prehistoric finds, as well as clothing, jewelry, paintings and other sea-related artwork. For children, a Shark's Tooth Scramble is always a festival highlight.

Typical Weather

Venice, Florida in

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The temperature in Venice, Florida in January tends to be very predictable, so you can generally count on the forecast and travel light.

The temperature in Venice, Florida in January is somewhat unpredictable, so be on the safe side and prepare for a variety of conditions.

The temperature in Venice, Florida in January is highly unpredictable, so use the forecast as a guide, but be ready for anything!

Events and Activities

The Shark's Tooth Festival is more than just teeth. The main stage features live performers each day of the event, including bands, cloggers and other entertainers, and the savory smells of Southern and coastal cuisine such as barbecue and seafood waft across the festival grounds. Other typical activities include fishing demonstrations and a hands-on marine animal exhibit. Runners and walkers can participate in the Shark's Tooth 10K, which typically takes place the Saturday morning of the festival. The race course winds along a beach-side road, through Caspersen Beach Park and along the Venetian Waterway Trail. A daily pass to the festival is included in the race entry fee.

Nearby Attractions/Accommodations

If you're planning a trip to the Shark's Tooth Festival in Venice, the city has other attractions worth a visit. Swim, sunbathe or discover your own shark tooth at Caspersen Beach Park, or take a stroll or drop a fishing line on the 700-foot Venice Fishing Pier, both a short walk from the festival. Add a little culture to your trip by taking in a show or participating in a class or workshop at the Venice Theatre, one of the nation's larger community theaters, about two and a half miles north of the festival. If you're staying overnight, the city is home to a variety of lodging options.

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About the Author

Robert Kay has written travel articles since 2002 and has more than 20 years of experience at three daily newspapers and a national magazine. His work has appeared in "Golfweek," "The New York Times" and various AAA publications. Now based in Florida, he holds a journalism degree from the University of South Carolina.

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